THE BENEFITS OF LINSEED
Linseed (or flax seed) comes from the flax plant, whose scientific name is linum usitatisimum. Recent studies confirm that its oil, fiber and natural seed components contribute to health and to controlling many illnesses such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
Dr. James Duke of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported that flax seed contains 27 anti-cancerous compounds, and in Germany the oil is used to treat cancer.
Research and clinical experience have shown that the regular intake of linseed prevents or helps cure different diseases such as:
Digestive system disease: Because it contains the two types of fiber – soluble and insoluble – linseed helps improve digestion, prevent the formation of diverticula, and combat constipation as well as regenerating intestinal flora.
Heart disease: Flax seeds contain a prostaglandin-like substance that has been shown to help in preventing the formation of blood clots and heart attacks. They also help control blood pressure as long as they are accompanied by a healthy diet and frequent exercise. Due to their high content of the fatty acids omega 3, 6 and 9 (and fiber) they help reduce blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Inflammatory diseases: The alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content of flax seeds acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and helps relieve ailments such as gastritis, colitis, arthritis, otitis, tonsillitis, tendonitis, etc.
Diabetes: Diabetics usually have low levels of linolenic acid, so consuming linseed raises these levels and aids in better control of the disease.
Water retention: Regular intake of linseed helps the kidneys excrete water and sodium. When water is retained (edema) there tends to be inflammation of the ankles, some form of obesity, pre-menstrual syndrome, all stages of cancer and/or cardiovascular disease.
Cancer (mammary, prostate, colon, lung cancer, etc.): Linseed has 27 anti-cancerous components, one of which is LIGNIN, which it has 100 times more of than do the best whole grains. No other known vegetable up to now can match these properties. Linseed protects against tumor formation, but its intake is not recommended if the person already has cancer and is receiving tamoxifen treatment, since the lignin content can affect the medicine’s action.
Sexual system: Some doctors have found that the oil content in linseed is a natural aphrodisiac. The most common physical cause of impotence and frigidity is due to blocked blood circulation in the pelvic arteries. The solution is to clean arteries in general, which can be done by consuming linseed. In addition, linseed helps to diminish the hot flashes of menopause because it contains lignans, which act as phytoestrogens, stimulating estrogen activity in women.
Immunological system: Thanks to its vitamin, anti-oxidant and omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acid content, linseed helps strengthen the body’s defenses, delaying premature aging and reducing the effect of free radicals to prevent disease.
Skin and hair appearance: Regular intake of linseed promotes softer, tauter skin and is useful for skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema, since these skin conditions usually appear when there is insufficient intake of essential fatty acids in the daily diet. Back to Diet Recommendations |
